By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack
submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) returned home to Groton, Conn., May 16, after
completing a seven-month overseas deployment.
San Juan's crew of more than 140 Sailors departed Naval
Submarine Base New London, Oct. 15, to conduct maritime operations in the U.S.
Central and European Command areas of responsibility.
"I am extremely proud of the crew," said Cmdr.
Joseph Biondi, San Juan's commanding officer. "They demonstrated their
capabilities as both mariners and ambassadors, showcasing our capabilities and
strengthening international partnerships."
The submarine made stops in Bahrain, the United Arab
Emirates, Portugal and Spain.
Capt. Vernon Parks, commander of Submarine Development
Squadron 12, congratulated Biondi and the crew in a personal message.
"A very hearty well done on a tremendous job in defense
of our nation," Parks said. "Your sustained superior performance in
missions vital to national security and operations supporting our allied
partners and theater cooperation maintained San Juan's legacy of
excellence."
Hundreds of friends and family members, including three
newborns, greeted returning Sailors on the pier.
Biondi said the crew is excited to return home after seven
months at sea. He thanked the families for providing both "spirit and
support" and enabling San Juan to excel in a forward operating
environment.
"Maintaining a submarine in a forward deployed status
is an engineering marvel," he said. "We operated in some of the most
challenging and dynamic ocean environments, which is testament to the crew's
commitment and talent."
San Juan currently has 18 officers and 130 enlisted Sailors
assigned. She was commissioned August 1988 and is the third ship named for
Puerto Rico's capital city.
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